Carns did not have the support to challenge Andy Burnham, allies of the prospective new prime minister have claimed

Farage formally quits but by-election turns to farce as Count Binface emerges as Reform UK leader’s main rival

Carns did not have the support to challenge Andy Burnham, allies of the prospective new prime minister have claimed

Former UK armed forces minister Al Carns said Burnham had his "full backing" and that he had "earned this". #EuropeNews

Nominations have opened for the Labour leadership contest, with Andy Burnham almost certain to be the only candidate.

With former defence minister Al Carns confirming he will not contest the Labour leadership, a coronation for Andy Burnham is all but guaranteed.